A public hearing concerning the relocation of Crossroads Learning Center from Gas to Iola met with no opposition Monday night. THE BOARD also accepted a Cox Communications grant for $1,000. Brett Linn, technology director, applied for the grant to help fund laptops for students at all the elementary schools.
The hearing took place before the regular USD 257 board of education meeting.
Jack Koehn, the new superintendent of schools, said the move to Iola would cut food service, utility, maintenance and transportation costs.
“Moving it a block and a half away from the high school gives us flexibility,” Koehn said.
Tim Siebel, Crossroads director, was present during the hearing.
Koehn said they plan to have the new location ready by the time school starts in August. Crossroads will be in the building that formerly housed district administration offices at 408 N. Cottonwood.
Scott Stanley updated board members on the progress of the new board office located at 305 N. Washington Ave. Stanley said they are making renovations and are waiting on carpet for the new location.
“We will start moving on Thursday and Friday,” Stanley said. “Next week we will start at the old board office.”
Koehn broke down the 2013-14 budget for the board members during a presentation. Koehn suggested the board consider a 1.5 mill increase. The board will discuss the budget at the budget hearing on Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m.
Other items included the approval of contracts between the teachers and the board. The board accepted the resignation of Amy Carson, a secretary at Crossroads. It rehired retirees, Lyle Kern and Joe Shrum. They will start work on Sept. 1. It hired Crystal Wood as a para, Chi Wiggins as secretary transportation, Gregory McCullough as a custodian and Alena Melugin as a cook.
The next board meeting will be on Aug. 12.
BOE to move Crossroads
